Weekend watch: Must-see matches from around the world

Sneak out of work a few minutes early and get your weekend started right — this version of the weekend watch opens with a bang.

Here are five matches to watch this weekend from leagues around the world:

F.C. Dallas v. Real Salt Lake, Major League Soccer, Friday at 6 p.m. – The non-Cascadia match of the weekend is also the first, as the Fightin’ Fabian Castillos play host to an RSL squad very much looking like a legitimate Supporter’s Shield contender.

Everton v. Arsenal, English Premier League, Saturday at 9 a.m. – The fight for the four EPL Champions League berths promises to be as tight as ever this season, and this is an early match that could help shape it.

Borussia Dortmund v. Bayer Leverkusen, German Bundesliga, Saturday at 9:30 a.m. – The second- and fourth-place finishers in last year’s table have to hit the ground running if they want to keep pace with powerhouse Bayern Munich.

Malaga v. Athletic Bilbao, Spanish Primera, Saturday at 10 a.m. – The Spanish side who made a stunning run to the 2013 Champions League quarterfinals hosts the Spanish side hoping to follow in its footsteps during this year’s version.

Sporting Kansas City v. D.C. United, Major League Soccer, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. – DCU could top the Eastern Conference table with a game in hand via victory, but Sporting isn’t going to relinquish its long-held grip on the top spot easily.